Red Bank Church

Greetings. Brother Jake was on hand to lead the congregation in hymns to begin the Sunday morning services at Red Bank, and Brother Jerry gave everyone a cheery welcome. Attendance was good for Sunday school and for the worship service. Brother Les announced that the CIA youth group will have its monthly pizza and ice cream social time this coming Wednesday, March 7th. Celebrating their 18th wedding anniversary this week on March 6th is Les and Eloise Hallmark. Presenting special music for the worship service with a beautiful, inspirational song was Eloise Hallmark.

“Worship God With Praises To His Name,” was the subject Brother Les chose for the Sunday morning sermon. I Corinthians 7:17 and Psalm 100 was the text he chose to read and expound on. The verses 4 and 5 of Psalms 100 provides a perfect summary on giving praise to God for his goodness. The Psalmist wrote, “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise; be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.” Our churches should to be filled with professing, Christian people giving thanks to their Heavenly Father for blessings they receive that they know good and well came directly from Him. We need to give Him the time of day before it comes time that He takes it away.

It is an exciting time in life for Marinda Hallmark. She will soon be graduating from Bradleyville High School and searching for a college of her choice to continue her education. She and her mother, Eloise, plan to use this coming school, spring break to travel to the state of Illinois to visit several college institutions there. Miranda is a bright, wonderful young lady who wants to prepare herself to give of her best in a future career of her choice. When we think of her, we should pray for her. We love you Miranda.

This has not been an easy week for the Hallmark family. Verla Hallmark, their beloved mother, grandmother and mother-in-law, passed away, suddenly, Sunday afternoon, March 4th. Brother Les said that he had enjoyed a visit with her Saturday afternoon. I know that privilege gave him great joy and peace. When I talked to him on the phone, he said, “I appreciate everyone for their outpoured, expression of love to me and my family during this time. I am so thankful for the care that has been provided to us by this community. I especially appreciate the Paramedics and First Responders who gave of their best efforts in my mother’s behalf. We don’t give them enough praise for the wonderful service they provide in such a professional and loving way.” We express our heart felt condolences to the Hallmark family. Please remember them in prayer.

My children e-mailed me about the tornado storms that hit several states last week. Even though none of our families may have suffered any losses, many other people’s lives were tragically changed from the effect of these storms. I was especially moved by the story we heard on T.V. about one mother throwing her body over her children in order to save their lives, and having both of her legs severed in doing so. Their lives have been radically changed in several ways, forever. We, who were left untouched by these storms, need to remember those in prayer that have suffered great loss and those who are giving of their time and energy to do what they can to help.

Visiting with Pam Shell and Bill Holland one day this week was a neighbor, Darlene Davis. Another neighbor, Justin Piccinio, also stopped in to visit with Pam and Bill.

Take care and have a great week. Know that God’s love for us is the kind of love that we can depend on; all the time.